Ultimate Comfort Food: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Few dishes evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia quite like a classic tuna noodle casserole. This creamy, comforting dish, often a staple at potlucks and family dinners, is surprisingly easy to make and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, offering a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and a whole lot of cheesy goodness. Let’s dive into a recipe that will become a go-to in your household.
Why This Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Works
This isn’t just *any* tuna noodle casserole recipe. This version stands out because it focuses on:
* **Creaminess without canned soup:** Many recipes rely heavily on condensed cream of mushroom soup. While convenient, it can sometimes result in a bland or overly salty dish. This recipe uses a homemade cream sauce, giving you complete control over the flavor and texture. This also caters to people looking for a cleaner, more natural ingredient list.
* **Flavor Depth:** We’re not just throwing ingredients together. Sautéed onions and celery build a flavorful base, and the addition of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds subtle complexity.
* **Perfect Texture:** Overcooked noodles are a casserole’s worst enemy. We’ll guide you on how to cook the noodles al dente so they retain their bite even after baking.
* **Customizability:** The basic recipe is a fantastic starting point, but we’ll also provide plenty of suggestions for variations and additions to suit your taste.
* **Crispy Topping:** A buttery, crunchy topping is essential. We’re using a combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate textural contrast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather these ingredients:
* **Noodles:** 1 pound egg noodles (wide or medium)
* **Canned Tuna:** Two 5-ounce cans of tuna in water or oil, drained (albacore or light tuna)
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons
* **Milk:** 3 cups whole milk (or 2%)
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, divided
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* **Melted Butter (for topping):** 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed instructions to create a tuna noodle casserole that will impress.
**Step 1: Cook the Noodles**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. You want them to be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce**
1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked onion and celery. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux (a thickening agent).
4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. This may take 5-7 minutes.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add the drained tuna, cooked noodles, and frozen peas to the cream sauce. Stir gently to combine.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping.
4. Pour the tuna noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
**Step 4: Prepare the Topping**
1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb topping.
**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
2. Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
Tips for the Perfect Tuna Noodle Casserole
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** As mentioned earlier, al dente noodles are key. They’ll continue to cook in the oven and you don’t want them to become mushy.
* **Use Good Quality Tuna:** The quality of your tuna will impact the overall flavor of the casserole. Look for tuna packed in water or olive oil, and choose a brand you trust.
* **Grate Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamy, melty result.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Before baking, taste the casserole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder.
* **Let it Rest:** Resist the urge to cut into the casserole immediately after it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest for a few minutes allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
* **Prevent sticking:** Grease your baking dish well to prevent the casserole from sticking. You can also use a baking spray with flour.
Variations and Additions
One of the best things about tuna noodle casserole is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers along with the onion and celery. Sauté them until tender before adding the flour.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions. You can also add a layer of cheese sauce using a roux as a base and incorporating your cheese of choice.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a little heat.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives can add a bright, fresh flavor. Stir them in at the end of cooking or sprinkle them on top before serving.
* **Topping:** Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed potato chips, French-fried onions, or even Ritz crackers for a different texture and flavor.
* **Tuna:** Use smoked tuna for a bolder flavor profile.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the casserole for an earthy flavor.
* **Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the tuna and cheese perfectly.
* **Spinach:** Add a cup of chopped spinach to the casserole for a boost of nutrients and color.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free egg noodles and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna noodle casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy element to the meal.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet ending to the meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Tuna noodle casserole is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the topping and bake as directed. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Leftover tuna noodle casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:
**Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole**
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound egg noodles (wide or medium)
* Two 5-ounce cans of tuna in water or oil, drained
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups whole milk (or 2%)
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions, reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the onion and celery. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
7. Add drained tuna, cooked noodles, and frozen peas to the sauce. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese.
8. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
10. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb topping.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
12. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
**Notes:**
* For a richer flavor, use tuna packed in olive oil.
* Add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
* Experiment with different cheeses for the topping.
Conclusion
This classic tuna noodle casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that will bring back memories and create new ones. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of homemade comfort food.